Saving Up For the New iPhone?

Question

Hi All,
I know if I started a new contract or however long I have till a new phone, I can get the iPhone at the subsidized price - $199, $299 (or whatever they are "new" these days.) But, suppose I paid in full, the "regular" price. At that point can I get the forthcoming iPhone - whenever that may be? Or, am I locked into my 3gs?
Thanks!
Jon

Answer 1

If you paid AT&T's subsidized price for your iPhone when purchased new, this required signing a two year contract for AT&T's subsidy. On average, you won't qualify for AT&T's subsidized price with a new phone until month 18 or so of an existing two year contract for a subsidized phone. I purchased my 3G at AT&T's subsidized price signing a two year contract for the subsidy during August of 2008. I became eligible for AT&T's upgrade or subsidized price for a new phone including for a new iPhone at the end of December 2009.
You can check your upgrade status with AT&T by logging in to your account via AT&T's website.
The original iPhone was not subsidized by AT&T in the traditional way although a two year contract was required regardless. Since the original iPhone was not subsidized by AT&T, anyone who purchased the original iPhone paying the full retail sales price qualified for an upgrade or subsidized phone at any time during the contract period.
If you paid the full retail sales price for the 3GS, this means you are on a month to month basis with AT&T - you aren't under a two year contract. If so, you qualify for AT&T's upgrade or subsidized price with a new phone at any time.